How I Got My First Freelance Client
Embarking on the freelancing journey can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially when it comes to landing your first client. I know how daunting it can be because I've been there too! In this article, I'm going to detail the steps I took and challenges I overcame to get my first freelance client.
Introduction
When I first considered freelancing, I was working a day job that drained me. I wanted freedom—over my time, my income, and my projects. But wanting something and knowing how to get it are two different things.
"How to get freelance clients" sounds straightforward, but the first client? That one’s often the hardest. You're new, unproven, and competing with pros who already have dozens of glowing reviews. It's intimidating.
For me, it wasn’t about flashy tactics. It was about showing up, being prepared, and making small moves daily. There's no secret sauce, but there is a strategy—and I'll walk you through exactly what worked (and what didn't) as I landed that first gig. Let’s get into it.
The Importance of Preparation
Before pitching anyone or scrolling through job boards, I had to take a hard look at what I was actually offering. Freelancing isn’t just about having a skill—it’s about packaging it in a way someone wants to buy.
So, step one: get your house in order.
Sharpen Your Core Skills
I started by making sure I was confident in what I was offering. That meant dedicating time to level up:
Deep-diving on YouTube tutorials
Completing short online courses
Practicing with fake or passion projects
If you're thinking, “I’ll learn on the job,” don’t. Your first client deserves your A-game.
Build a Portfolio—Even Without Clients
Even if I hadn’t done paid work yet, I created projects that demonstrated my capabilities. This wasn’t about faking it—it was about proving I could deliver results.
Create mock projects relevant to your niche
Make everything visual, clean, and easy to navigate
Focus on real-world problems your future clients might have
Think of it as building trust before you even have a conversation.
Define Your Ideal Client
Getting clear on who I wanted to serve changed everything. I asked myself:
What industries need the service I offer?
Who has both a budget and urgency?
Where can I genuinely provide value without fluff?
For me, that meant zeroing in on small startups that needed fast, no-nonsense content.
The Bottom Line
Prep like you’re going into battle:
Clear, focused portfolio
Solid value proposition
Strong understanding of your target audience
Once those foundational pieces are in place, everything else—pitching, pricing, and client work—gets a whole lot easier.
How to Stand Out in the Sea of Freelancers
Let’s be real—there are a lot of freelancers out there. No matter your niche, you’re not the only one bidding on projects. So how do you cut through the noise?
First, stop thinking like everyone else. Most freelancers send the same generic proposals stuffed with buzzwords. Don’t do that. Instead, personalize every message. Show that you read the job post. Mention something specific from it. Keep it short but value-packed. Show you understand the client’s problem and how you’ll solve it.
Your portfolio? Make it count. You don’t need 20 samples—just 2-3 strong, relevant ones. Add a one-liner explaining your role in each project. If you're just starting and don’t have client work yet, create mockups, write sample blog posts, redesign fake websites—whatever aligns with your skill. The goal is to show you know your stuff.
Your freelance profile also needs to work for you. Think of it as your digital storefront. Use a clean, professional photo (smiling helps). Write a headline that says exactly what you do and who you help, like “Email Copywriter for SaaS Startups” or “Brand Designer for Women-Owned Businesses.” Keep your bio sharp—who you are, what you do, who you help, and why you're good at it. Skip fluff and focus on value.
If you’re unsure where to start or want a deep dive, Adam Palmer’s tips over at Freelance King are gold. Here you’ll find free courses, a helpful book “Upwork Saved My Life”, many useful tools and a personal profile review by Adam Palmer.
Bottom line: clients hire freelancers who make their lives easier. Show them you're that person—and don’t be afraid to be a little bold.
Joining a Freelancer Community
One of the biggest game-changers for me was plugging into a freelancer community. Early on, I was grinding solo—Googling endlessly, overthinking every pitch, second-guessing my rates. Then I joined a group of other freelancers, and everything shifted.
Why? Because community = clarity. You get feedback, accountability, and real talk from people already doing what you're trying to do. No fluff, no theory—just honest tips and sometimes much-needed reality checks.
I recommend checking out The Online Worker. It’s one of the more legit and fast growing platforms where freelancers trade insights, share leads, and even collaborate on projects. Whether you're stuck on writing a proposal or trying to figure out if your rates are too low (spoiler: they probably are), there's someone there who’s been through it.
Joining a freelance community is about surrounding yourself with people who get it. And trust me, that kind of support is huge when you’re hustling for your first (or next) client.
A Spotlight on Adam Palmer: An Inspiration for Freelancers
If you've ever Googled "how to get freelance clients" only to get buried under a pile of recycled advice, it's time you met someone who truly cuts through the noise: Adam Palmer, better known as The Freelance King.
A True Freelance Comeback Story
Adam's journey is nothing short of legendary:
Hit rock bottom and rebuilt his life from scratch
Discovered freelancing as a lifeline
Turned adversity into a thriving career on Upwork
Now shares everything he’s learned with full transparency
His story isn’t just about success—it’s about resilience, grit, and the freedom that freelancing can offer.
Why You Should Read Upwork Saved My Life
Adam's book, Upwork Saved My Life, is a blueprint for any freelancer—new or seasoned.
What you’ll find inside:
✅ No-fluff, actionable advice
📝 Proposal templates that actually convert
🎯 Messaging scripts that sound human—not robotic
💡 Mindset shifts that help you take freelancing seriously
Explore the Freelance King Website
His website, Freelance King, is packed with practical resources and advice. It helped me personally:
Fine-tune my Upwork profile
Craft tighter, more compelling pitches
Land consistent freelance gigs faster
If you haven’t browsed his content, you're honestly leaving value on the table.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—those are the steps and strategies that helped me get that crucial first client. It wasn't easy, but the lessons I learned along the way were invaluable. From tightening up my portfolio and targeting the right clients, to pushing through rejection and leaning on a supportive freelance community, every move built a foundation for future gigs.
If you’re staring down that first hurdle, keep going. Show up, keep learning, and hustle smart. Every seasoned freelancer started where you are right now.
Need more guidance or just want to connect with others on the same path? Join our freelancer community—we're all about sharing tips, encouragement, and real talk. You’ve got this. Happy freelancing!
